ShareJose Mourinho is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, but Benfica's Richard Rios hopes he stays.Benfica midfielder Richard Rios is hoping Jose Mourinho remains with the Primeira Liga giants amid reports linking the 63-year-old with a sensational return to Real Madrid. Following Madrid's 1-1 draw with Real Betis last Friday, they have now just won one of their last six matches in all competitions (D2 L3). Los Blancos also appear set for another trophyless season, having been eliminated from the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while also finding themselves 11 points adrift of Clasico rivals and LaLiga leaders Barcelona in the top flight. That run of results has seen Alvaro Arbeloa's future at the club thrown into question, with the Spaniard taking the reins from Xabi Alonso, who was dismissed back in January.And according to reports, Mourinho, who managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, is Florentino Perez's top target to replace Arbeloa at the conclusion of the ongoing season. The rumour also states that Perez has taken it upon himself to lead the club's recruitment process for their next manager.Mourinho only joined Benfica in September, returning to the club he took charge of at the beginning of his managerial career, and has led the team to second in the Primeira Liga this season, with the Eagles the only side in the division yet to lose in 2025-26 (P31 W22 D9). Asked if he sees Mourinho returning to Madrid this summer, Rios told Diario As: "I don't know, to be honest."As far as I'm concerned, I hope not – I hope he stays with me. Every day I learn something new from him. He's got a formidable character and motivates you like no one else."His career is incredible; he's been at it for years and has won everything. You never see him lose his drive."It's still as strong as ever. That motivates me as a player to want more."Mourinho expressed his desire to continue at Benfica beyond this summer but added: "when the season ends, we'll have 10 days to decide whether to continue or part ways."And the temptation of a return to the Spanish capital could be too good to turn down, with Mourinho winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana in his first stint. Across his 114 LaLiga matches in charge of Madrid, Mourinho won 87 (D16 L11), a win percentage rate of 76.3% while also averaging 2.43 points per game. Jose Mourinho is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, but Benfica's Richard Rios hopes he stays.Benfica midfielder Richard Rios is hoping Jose Mourinho remains with the Primeira Liga giants amid reports linking the 63-year-old with a sensational return to Real Madrid. Following Madrid's 1-1 draw with Real Betis last Friday, they have now just won one of their last six matches in all competitions (D2 L3). Los Blancos also appear set for another trophyless season, having been eliminated from the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while also finding themselves 11 points adrift of Clasico rivals and LaLiga leaders Barcelona in the top flight. That run of results has seen Alvaro Arbeloa's future at the club thrown into question, with the Spaniard taking the reins from Xabi Alonso, who was dismissed back in January.And according to reports, Mourinho, who managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, is Florentino Perez's top target to replace Arbeloa at the conclusion of the ongoing season. The rumour also states that Perez has taken it upon himself to lead the club's recruitment process for their next manager.Mourinho only joined Benfica in September, returning to the club he took charge of at the beginning of his managerial career, and has led the team to second in the Primeira Liga this season, with the Eagles the only side in the division yet to lose in 2025-26 (P31 W22 D9). Asked if he sees Mourinho returning to Madrid this summer, Rios told Diario As: "I don't know, to be honest."As far as I'm concerned, I hope not – I hope he stays with me. Every day I learn something new from him. He's got a formidable character and motivates you like no one else."His career is incredible; he's been at it for years and has won everything. You never see him lose his drive."It's still as strong as ever. That motivates me as a player to want more."Mourinho expressed his desire to continue at Benfica beyond this summer but added: "when the season ends, we'll have 10 days to decide whether to continue or part ways."And the temptation of a return to the Spanish capital could be too good to turn down, with Mourinho winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana in his first stint. Across his 114 LaLiga matches in charge of Madrid, Mourinho won 87 (D16 L11), a win percentage rate of 76.3% while also averaging 2.43 points per game.